Luke Skywalker (Jedi Knight)
sw0017a (or sw0017) · Star Wars
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi · 1999 (Original release in set 7110 Landspeeder; this specific torso style appeared through early 2000s)
Figure ID
sw0017a (or sw0017)
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
1999 (Original release in set 7110 Landspeeder; this specific torso style appeared through early 2000s)
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. While many were produced, finding them in pristine condition without torso cracks or heavy play wear is becoming increasingly difficult for collectors.
Head
Missing in image. Originally a yellow head with a simple classic smiley face or the slightly later version with dots for eyes and a small curved smile. No dual-sided printing was used in this era.
Torso
Black torso with silver/white line printing depicting the Jedi tunic from Episode VI. Note the rectangular belt buckle and two side pouches. This image shows the 'tapered' or 'v-neck' line variant. Includes black arms and black hands.
Legs
Plain black unprinted legs with a black hip piece. These are standard 2x1 classic legs.
Accessories
Missing in image. Originally included a chrome-plated green lightsaber (a hallmark of early LEGO Star Wars) or occasionally a brown hooded cape and a black lightsaber hilt with a neon green blade.
Color Scheme
Predominantly Black with Silver/Light Bluish Gray printing for the chest and belt details.
Printing Details
Low-density pad printing typical of the late 90s. The detail is minimal, consisting of only a few outlines to suggest the fabric folds and the belt. No back printing was present on these early versions.
Variants
Several variants exist: sw0017 (Yellow head, chrome green saber), sw0017b (Brown hood), and the later sw0121 with flesh-toned skin. This torso specifically represents the classic yellow-era Jedi Luke.
Condition Notes
The torso in the image shows significant play wear, including fading of the silver printing and 'scuffing' on the plastic surface. Common issues include 'arm cracks' (vertical splits on the side of the torso) and 'heel cracks' on the legs.
Estimated Value
The torso and legs alone in this played-with condition are worth approximately $3.00 - $5.00 USD. A complete, mint condition sw0017 can fetch $25.00 - $40.00 USD depending on the chrome lightsaber's condition.
Price (New)
Originally appeared in sets ranging from $6.00 (7110 Landspeeder) to $100.00 (10123 Cloud City - though that version is a specific high-value variant).
Compatible Sets
7110 Landspeeder (1999), 7144 Slave I (2000), 4501 Mos Eisley Cantina (2004), 7201 Final Duel II (2002).
Character Background
This represents Luke Skywalker as a fully realized Jedi Knight during his mission to rescue Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt and his final confrontation with Darth Vader on the second Death Star.
Design Notes
This is one of the first LEGO Star Wars minifigures ever created. It uses the 'classic' design language before LEGO transitioned to movie-accurate flesh tones in 2004. The simplicity is a major draws for 'Old Gray' era collectors.
Similar Minifigures
sw0021 (Luke Skywalker Tatooine), sw0011 (Darth Vader with removable helmet), sw0001 (Battle Droid), sw0090 (Luke Skywalker Dagobah).
Collectibility
Highly collectible for 'nostalgia' hunters and completionists of the original 1999-2003 Star Wars sub-theme. Torso variants (v-neck vs. round neck) are specifically sought after by hardcore specialists.
History
First released in the debut wave of LEGO Star Wars in 1999. This figure marked LEGO's first foray into licensed themes, which changed the company's trajectory forever.
Interesting Facts
The green lightsaber included with this figure was one of the first pieces to use chrome plating, a finish LEGO has largely moved away from due to durability issues and production costs.
Display Suggestions
Display on a grayscale or black baseplate. Best paired with the 1999 Landspeeder or a classic 'Final Duel' vignette. Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent the black plastic from becoming brittle.
Modification Potential
Excellent for purist 'classic' MOCs. The black torso is a versatile piece for creating other Jedi, Sith, or black-suited galactic characters using only vintage parts.
Overall Assessment
Score: 7/10. An iconic piece of LEGO history. While the specific example in the image is incomplete and heavily worn, it remains a foundational piece of the most successful licensed theme in toy history.